2008 Honda Odyssey
$5,955 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability: 4/5
With seating for up to eight passengers, generous cargo room, and a peppy V6 engine, the Honda Odyssey earned high scores when U.S. News ranked and evaluated minivans in 2008. Ten years later this model remains attractive.
A well-maintained Odyssey will still deliver sedan-like handling and, thanks to its variable-displacement engine that can shut down two or three cylinders when full power is not needed, impressive fuel economy for the class.
Reliability scores have also been consistently above average through multiple generations.
2008 Mazda CX-9
$6,203 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability: 5/5
Along with its slick styling that still looks good a decade later, the Mazda CX-9 delivers seven-passenger seating, competitive cargo capacity, and a long list of standard safety and convenience features. That was enough to make the 2008 CX-9 the North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
With its above-average reliability rating, a 10-year-old CX-9 in good condition continues to be an attractive option for people seeking dependable transportation.
2008 Honda Fit
$3,540 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability: 5/5
It is reasonable to wonder how a car that casts such a small shadow manages to be so roomy. Despite its subcompact status, the 2008 Honda Fit manages to seat 6-footers comfortably in the front and rear seats. Its “Magic” rear seat also provides exceptional flexibility when it comes to hauling cargo.
Rounding out the Fit’s long list of strengths are above-average fuel economy, fun-to-drive handling, and a history of above-average dependability. It may not be the most powerful subcompact car, but it is still an outstanding choice.
2008 Mazda5
$4,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability: 5/5
You will be forgiven if you think of the Mazda5 as a minivan alternative. While it has sliding doors, van-like seating for six in three rows, and flexible cargo carrying options, it still manages to deliver a sedan-like ride and is surprisingly compact. As a result, maneuverability in heavy traffic and tight parking lots is impressive. Granted, there is limited cargo room when all six seats are set up for passengers, but the interior is exceptionally flexible.
2008 Scion xB
$4,294 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability: 5/5
The second generation of the Scion xB didn’t entirely abandon the slab-sided, boxy design of the original, so its appearance remains distinctive. That can be good or bad, depending on your opinion.
Able to seat five in relative comfort, the Scion xB has a flexible interior that can be easily converted to cargo hauling duties.
The 2008 redesign included a more powerful engine, but highway acceleration was still lackluster. Nevertheless, with a reputation for dependability, the Scion xB made sense to many buyers when it was new and continues to be an appealing choice as a used car.
Despite the elimination of the Scion brand, Toyota continues to supply parts and support through its dealers.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
$8,622 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability: 5/5
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a refined interior with the ability to slog through the mud, crawl over boulders, and ford streams. This is one of a few sport utility vehicles that, when new, could claim legitimate off-road capabilities.
Used Grand Cherokees with the proper equipment can still manage to take you places other vehicles cannot. However, cargo capacity is small for the class.
A well-maintained example should still have many miles of service to give, not to mention the ability to tackle some exceptionally challenging trails.
2008 Honda Civic
$5,090 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability: 4/5
With its responsive handling and quiet ride, the Honda Civic set high standards for compact cars when it was new. It continues to do so as a 10-year-old used car.
The engine is peppy, the seats are comfortable and supportive, fuel economy is good for the class, and reliability is above average. It was a best seller in 2008, suggesting that there will be a good selection of used 2008 Civics to pick from.
2008 Kia Sorento
$4,591 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability: 5/5
With its powerful optional engine and body-on-frame construction, the 2008 Kia Sorento delivers impressive towing capacity for a compact SUV (up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped). While this meant that riding comfort lagged behind many competitors, the Sorento was still able to hold its own when it came to value. As a used vehicle today, a properly maintained example continues to be an attractive option.
2008 Volvo XC70
$6,447 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability: 5/5
A 10-year-old Volvo XC70 can be considered a luxury wagon for family transportation duties or a crossover SUV with some light-duty off-road capabilities. In either application, the interior will delight, with its comfortable seating and pleasant design.
Engine performance was only adequate when the car was new. However, in the used vehicle domain, where solidity, comfort, and reliability come into play, this 10-year-old Volvo XC70 is an attractive option.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country
$4,847 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability: 4/5
Most 10-year-old Chrysler Town & Countrys offer a feature not available on minivans from any other automaker: flexible Stow ‘n’ Go second-row seats. These fold into the floor when cargo, rather than passengers, have to be carried. Most other minivans require the removal and storage of the second-row seats to achieve maximum cargo room, which can be a difficult task.
When looking at used examples, seek out the peppier 4.0-liter V6, which was optional. The base 3.3-liter V6 was deemed to be weak by many reviewers.
2008 Saturn Outlook
$5,559 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability: 4/5
While it was only offered for four years, the Saturn Outlook was fairly popular with test drivers. Its engine was peppy and reasonably fuel-efficient for an eight-passenger vehicle. The third row was surprisingly comfortable, and cargo space was generous.
While the Saturn brand has disappeared, buyers of used Outlooks can take comfort in the fact that this model shared many components with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, so parts and service should not be a problem.
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Which of These Decade-Old Cars Is Right for You?
Not too long ago, the average 10-year-old car would probably have been ready for the scrap heap. Today, these vehicles typically have plenty of life left in them. In fact, now that the average age of vehicles in operation on America’s roads stands at just under 12 years, a 10-year-old vehicle is actually younger than average. With some vehicles being able to last 16 years or more, 10-year-old cars can be ideal candidates for people who need dependable transportation at a price that is affordable.
It is, of course, necessary before buying any used car to examine it carefully and have a professional mechanic take a look before signing a contract or handing over any money. You want to be sure that the vehicle is in good condition and that all the systems necessary to ensure your safety are present and operating properly.
On the following slides, we will take a look at 11 vehicles that are attractive options for buyers looking for value. Not one has an average price exceeding $9,000, and several could cost you less (in some cases, much less) than $5,000.
Since the scores on our site are updated constantly, the scores and rankings mentioned in this slideshow may not match the information in our reviews.